Gas supply problems? What gas supply problems?

Here in Creeting St Peter, we aren't worried about potential failure to maintain gas supplies. Of course, this could have something to do with the fact that we aren't connected to the gas distribution system at all. No, we rely on electricity and heating oil, augmented by coal and wood as required.

Unfortunately, it became clear before Christmas that our supply of oil was running low, so Ros rang our regular supplier and put in an order. On our return from the French Riviera, we were called on by our next door neighbour, to be advised that the tanker had come, and filled their tank in error. So, displaying her usual patience, Ros rang again and was assured that they would come again. Day after day last week, they faithfully promised to send out a tanker, and day after day, nothing happened.

And then, calamity. On Friday morning, the boiler ground to a halt, and it became apparent that the oil tank was empty. More telephone calls, more promises but no delivery. Luckily, Ros's prescience in installing a wood-burning stove a few years back meant that we at least could heat two rooms, so whilst the rest of the house was like a refrigerator, we were at least reasonably warm.

And late this morning, the tanker driver turned up, filled our tank to the brim and, after a short delay whilst our boiler got itself going, the house is warm, hot water is freely available, and life can return to normal.


We're lucky, in that we're still fairly young, we have family nearby, and the roads are passable with care. For the elderly, such problems can be fatal. So, if you do know anyone in your neighbourhood who is elderly and reliant on oil-fired central heating, do them a favour and make sure that they've got enough oil left to see them through this cold spell. And remember, someone is going to have to deliver that oil, so the more time you leave for delivery, the better.